One year in the making, and it's finally here. Incredible.

Hello faithful readers!!!!

Before I begin this one, I just want to thank for taking the time to read this. It means a lot. I hope all is well with you back in the grand old USA, or wherever you might be.

I am currently sitting in the Sheraton "Four Points" Hotel and thinking of things to say. Parents just happen to be on the ship at some reception for the families. I have seen the ship but can't board yet. Work-study kids have also had the chance to board and get there stuff together before us regular-folk. Damn them. Just kidding. Anticipation is huge, but I'm keeping myself together... as much as possible anyways. The whole thing is incredibly surreal.

Because SAS organizes embarkation by alphabetical order, I of course have the worst possible boarding time. 8 A.M. Yucky. It's the earliest time slot. I guess the bright side is that I can claim the bed and desk in our small little cabins. As Mike Birbiglia likes to say (comedian), "I have an apartment that has just enough room for my body." I am on "Deck 4- Outside." Whatever that means. That's all I know. It's funny actually. That's basically how we all introduce ourselves to each other:

 "Hey man. What floor you on?"

"Deck 3- outside. You?"

"Nice. Deck 4-inside."

"Sweet man. See you around."

"Yeah, man. See ya." 


 Everything else besides our general understanding of our cabins' location is  a mystery, including our roommates.... unless of course we requested someone. I have no idea who or what I will be living with for the next 3.5 months. It's kind of nerve-racking, but I guess that's all part of the adventure. Awesome!!

 SAS has already organized a "meet n greet" thing. That was last night at the Argyle Bar in Halifax. That was pretty sweet.  Met a ton of people from all over the country- lot's of California people, so not really sure what to think about that. Haha. I believe an SAS Facebook group was specifically started for the University of San Diego... with like 47 people on it. What the F is that about?! Pretty funny in my opinion/incredibly weird. 

On top of all the awesome people I met, I did happen to meet one kid in particular worth mentioning in this blog. His name is Dallas (yeah, just like the city), and guess where he goes to school. That's right. ITHACA FRICKEN COLLEGE IN UP-STATE NEW FRICKEN YORK. HOLY ISH!!! The kid is hysterical (naturally- because he's from IC, not to mention incredibly intelligent), and plays on both the rugby and hockey team. Nick. If you're reading this- ring a bell? 6'4". White. Lanky.

Side-note: I went back to the hotel room shortly after midnight. Also, hurricane "Danielle" is expected to head this way.... but make landfall Sunday. So we're good! Shove-off is tomorrow after noon.

Anywho, enough of this boring stuff. As usual, I'm rambling on and on. I'll try and keep it short and sweet from now on. Hope you guys plan to follow the journey. I'll be posting every once in a while. The choice is yours....

Miss you guys!!! Good luck with classes everyone, and kick ass Bombers!!!

Much love, peace, and happiness to all of you.